From Nature Photography Day to National Rivers Month and beyond, the summer has many special holidays, observances, and opportunities for your aging parent to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. This is a fantastic way for them to get more active and make their care experience with their home care provider more exciting and memorable.

As with anything in your parent's home care journey, it is important that they focus on health and safety when spending time out in nature. Whether they are with their in home health care services provider for the adventure or you are planning some quality time together, proper preparation will make the entire experience less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Use these tips to help keep your aging parent safe and healthy when they are spending time in nature:

Always let someone know. Even if your parent's time out in nature is just visiting a local hiking trail or going to the beach, make sure that they let others know where they are going to be before they leave. Check in with their home care provider to get an idea of when they are planning to go and to return, where they will be, and what they will be doing. Have them write these details down and leave a note in their home. This will ensure that if there is an emergency such as sudden inclement weather or an urgent medical situation it will be faster and easier to find them.

Know the area. If your parent is planning on venturing anywhere that is further away or larger than just a basic park or a beach, make sure that they are familiar with the area. Do not let them rely completely on technology such as phones to keep them aware of where they are. Remember that this technology is vulnerable to batteries dying, service not being available, or the device breaking. Instead, make sure that they pack a map that will keep them feeling in control and confident.

Prepare before leaving. Safety tools such as sunscreen and bug repellant are not effective the instant that they go on. Particularly sunscreen, these need several minutes and up to half an hour to actually become useful in protecting your parent. Make sure that they put on their sunscreen and bug repellant prior to leaving the home so that they are guarded from the moment that they arrive and do not get distracted and forget to apply them. Remember that if your parent is going into an area that has tall grasses or is wooded that they will need protection from potentially dangerous pests such as ticks. Use a bug repellant that contains DEET and spray it on their shoes, socks, and the cuffs of their pants as well as their skin to ensure they are fully protected.

Have an emergency kit. Be sure that your parent has all of the supplies that they might need when they are out in nature. This includes a first aid kit, emergency items such as a loud whistle, and plenty of water and non-perishable food. Even if they are only going somewhere local and intend on being out for a short time, being prepared will give them a sense of confidence and help them to enjoy the experience more.

​If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Glenview, IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.